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Restroom Cleaning Sequence Chart

A step-by-step restroom cleaning order that works top to bottom and clean to dirty, so soil and germs are not spread back onto cleaned surfaces.

Ref JS-0210CDC Environmental Infection Control Guidelines

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

A restroom is cleaned in a set order so that each step does not undo the one before it. Two rules drive the order. Top to bottom: dust and drips fall down, so clean high surfaces first and the floor last. Clean to dirty: clean the least soiled surfaces first and the toilets and urinals last, so germs are not carried onto sinks and counters. The CDC's environmental infection control guidance supports cleaning before disinfecting and following the disinfectant label.

How to use it

Post this chart in the janitor closet and on the cart. Follow the steps in order on every visit. Adjust it to the facility's written plan where needed.

Cleaning sequence

Step	Task	Notes
1	Put out the wet-floor or closed sign	Block the doorway if the room is closed
2	Put on PPE	Gloves and eye protection as the product labels require
3	Check and note supplies	Paper, soap, liners, sanitary bags
4	Empty trash and sanitary receptacles	Replace liners
5	Dust high surfaces	Vents, ledges, partition tops, lights
6	Apply disinfectant to toilets and urinals	Lets the product start its contact time while other work is done
7	Clean mirrors and glass	Use a separate cloth
8	Clean dispensers, handles, partitions and doors	Focus on high-touch points
9	Clean and disinfect sinks and counters	Use the sink-area cloth color
10	Clean toilets and urinals	Inside first, then seats and outside; red cloth only
11	Restock supplies	Paper, soap, seat covers
12	Clean the floor	Work from the far corner toward the door
13	Inspect and remove signs when the floor is dry	Report repairs needed

Key points

Surfaces must stay wet with disinfectant for the full contact time on the product label. Check the label for each product.
Clean before you disinfect. Soil can stop a disinfectant from working.
Use color-coded cloths so toilet cloths never touch sinks or counters.
Clean the floor last and back out of the room so you do not walk on the clean floor.
Report leaks, broken fixtures and empty dispensers right away.

Common mistakes

Wiping the toilet and then the sink with the same cloth.
Spraying and wiping right away, before the label contact time has passed.
Mopping first and then dripping on the clean floor while cleaning fixtures.
Skipping door handles, flush valves and dispenser levers.
Removing the wet-floor sign before the floor is dry.

Governing standards: CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities; the disinfectant label (EPA-registered directions for use); the facility's written cleaning plan.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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